Signs and Symptoms of Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Do you ever feel eye strain, headaches, or visual discomfort even though your eye exam says your vision is “normal”? These symptoms are often linked to binocular vision dysfunction (BVD), a condition that affects how your eyes work together as a team. At Ocean Park Optometry, we help patients uncover and treat BVD through advanced diagnostic testing, including our specialized NeuroVisual™ Exam in Santa Monica. Understanding the signs of BVD is the first step toward lasting visual comfort and improved quality of life.
 

What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction?

Binocular vision dysfunction occurs when the two eyes are misaligned or struggle to coordinate properly. Even very small alignment issues - often too subtle to detect during a routine eye exam - can force the visual system to work overtime. This extra effort can lead to a wide range of symptoms that affect not only vision, but also comfort, focus, and daily performance.

Binocular vision dysfunction can present differently from person to person, but some symptoms are especially common.
 

Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain

Persistent headaches - especially around the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes - are one of the most reported signs of BVD. These headaches often worsen after reading, computer use, or prolonged visual tasks.
 

Double Vision or Visual Distortion

Some people experience double vision, shadowed images, or words that appear to move or overlap on the page. Even if double vision is occasional, it may signal that your eyes are struggling to stay aligned.
 

Difficulty Reading or Concentrating

BVD can make reading feel exhausting. You may lose your place, reread lines, skip words, or feel mentally fatigued after short periods of close work. Children and adults alike may be misdiagnosed with attention or learning issues when the underlying cause is visual.
 

Dizziness, Motion Sensitivity, or Balance Issues

Because vision plays a major role in balance, eye misalignment can lead to dizziness, nausea, or motion sensitivity - especially in busy environments or while driving. Some patients feel disoriented in grocery store aisles or crowded spaces.
 

Light Sensitivity and Visual Discomfort

Bright lights, screens, or glare may feel overwhelming. Many patients with BVD squint frequently or feel relief when closing one eye.
 

Neck and Shoulder Pain

When the eyes don’t work together, the body may subconsciously adjust head and neck posture to compensate. Over time, this can lead to chronic neck, shoulder, or upper back pain.
 

Anxiety or Visual Overwhelm

Unresolved visual strain can contribute to feelings of anxiety, especially in visually demanding environments. Patients are often surprised to learn that visual misalignment may be contributing to these sensations.
 

Why BVD Is Often Missed

Standard eye exams primarily evaluate visual clarity and eye health. While these exams are essential, they may not detect subtle eye misalignment or neurological visual processing issues. That’s why patients with BVD are often told their eyes are “healthy” despite ongoing symptoms. This is where specialized testing makes all the difference.
 

The NeuroVisual™ Exam in Santa Monica

At Ocean Park Optometry, we offer the NeuroVisual™ Exam in Santa Monica, an advanced evaluation designed specifically to identify binocular vision dysfunction and related visual processing issues.

This exam goes beyond traditional testing to assess:

• Eye alignment and coordination
• How the brain and eyes work together
• Visual efficiency during real-world tasks

By pinpointing the root cause of your symptoms, we can create a customized treatment plan tailored to your visual system - not just your prescription.
 

Get to the Root of Your Visual Discomfort

Binocular vision dysfunction can affect far more than just your eyes - it can influence your comfort, productivity, and well-being. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and targeted care, relief is possible. Through our specialized NeuroVisual™ Exam in Santa Monica and personalized BVD treatment in Santa Monica, Ocean Park Optometry helps patients finally get the clarity and comfort they deserve.

If you suspect binocular vision dysfunction may be affecting your life, schedule a NeuroVisual™ Exam at Ocean Park Optometry and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision. Contact our office in Santa Monica, California, by calling (310) 452-1039 to book an appointment.